Two Men Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking Conspiracy

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRUNG PHAM, age 38, of Los Angeles, California, and TOMMY WELLS, age 40, of New Orleans, were sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area.  Specifically PHAM pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and WELLS pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. 

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced PHAM to 10 years’ incarceration, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  WELLS was sentenced to 5 years’ incarceration, followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2016, PHAM was a California-based drug trafficker who was sending parcels of methamphetamine via common carriers to codefendant STEVEN LYONS in New Orleans.  LYONS would then sell quantities of methamphetamine to WELLS and others, who would redistribute the methamphetamine in the New Orleans area.  LYONS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, 2018.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Amtrak Police, and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.